Local Revival was founded based on the thought that bigger isn’t always better. We believe when you take the time to scratch the surface of a community’s foundation, it reveals something unexpected. A hidden room in a large mansion, or a prize under a scratch-off ticket. But where do you start?
Before Local Revival, we found ourselves feeling the same way a lot of people did. Overwhelmed. We loved going out to eat, finding the perfect gift for someone, supporting our communities. But we lacked awareness of the hidden gems that surrounded where we lived. So we shopped at the same prominent places. We ate at the same chain restaurants. We thought supporting our community meant going to the same tourist landmarks everyone else did. And while there is nothing wrong with any of those things, it didn’t enrich us personally.
As a small business owner, you get to know like-minded individuals. Entrepreneurship is a difficult task and not one for the faint of heart. Often, we befriend one another to swap stories, lean on each other for support, and be a cheerleader when feeling defeated. Through these relationships, we discovered some incredible people doing extraordinary things. Furthermore, we realized that these same business owners often struggled to get the attention they deserved because of the “big box noise” that blasts consumers every minute of the day.
We also know that there are layers of support behind every successful business. People behind the scenes who help create the perfect event design, design the products that stock the shelves of your favorite boutique, or cook the food that nourishes our bodies to stay healthy and fueled to assist others. Often, many of these businesses fly under the radar because the more popular option wins out. We hope to change that.
We thought if we created a brand that celebrated these hard-working individuals and the unique things they do and make, we could help to shake up the norm and possibly break the cycle. In other words, create an improvement in the condition or strength of our communities – or a revival.
Thus, Local Revival was born. It’s our mission to energize communities by connecting our audience to unique small businesses and individuals worldwide, and Local Revivalists are the individuals behind these businesses and stories.
When Local Revival first came into light last year, we called them biz-e-chicks. However, while we love that name (Stay tuned as something may come forth with it again soon), we want to make sure we allow ourselves to recognize ALL that our communities have to offer.
For one, while we typically spotlight businesses in this series, a Revivalist doesn’t always have to be. It could be an individual who’s creating a stir by bringing awareness to an issue, or simply working to make where they reside a better place to live.
And second, while our soft spot is for women/women-owned businesses, and we look to support them wholeheartedly, there may be times that someone else is making waves. So, we want our series to be all-inclusive and fluid.
We are stronger together, so we hope our interviews will inspire, educate, and bring us closer to the communities we live, or would like to visit one day. We hope it will create a connection and an opportunity to form new friendships and relationships. And most importantly, we hope to spread the word about the fantastic things happening around us. Not only for the greater good of the cities we reside, but the individuals behind the business, non-profit, or cause.
So thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for supporting small businesses and the communities in which we live. And most of all, thank you for celebrating local!
Your savvy “biz” friend,
Summer
PS: If you think of someone who would be a perfect Local Revivalist to feature, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Send me an email and include their name, business or non-profit (if applicable), contact information, and why you think they’re making a difference in the community. We are looking to get to know people in other states, even around the world, so please don’t limit your nominations to ones strictly in Tampa, where we are based.
Contact info:
Summer Taylor
Local Revival Founder + Creative Director
(813) 590-1444
Email: info@localrevivallifestyle.com
Instagram / Facebook
Questions, comments or feedback on this article? Comment below or contact us! We would love to hear from you. Curious why we love our biz-e-chicks and support small businesses so much? Read 6 Reasons We Love Supporting Small Business.
